Look out FOMO (The Fear of Missing Out), there’s a new kid in town and JOMO is WAY more fun.
If you haven’t yet heard of JOMO, the acronym stands for: The Joy of Missing Out. If ever there was a perfect time for ditching the need to keep up with what everyone in your social circle is doing, now is the time. The good news is that focusing on what you want to do instead of what others are getting up to can feel really good. These five easy switches will put you on the fast path toward a more joy-filled summer.
FOMO for JOMO Swap #1:
Trade Tech Time For Tree Time
After months spent in lockdown, many of us are still spending record time on our social media feeds. While social media is a great way to stay connected with friends and family during physical distancing, it’s ok to press pause on informing your followers about what you’re up to. To see for yourself, try a phone-free hour or two in the woods at a Hamilton Halton Brant conservation area. You may be surprised by just how good time amongst the trees can make you feel. Read this article on Forest Bathing to learn more.
FOMO for JOMO Swap #2:
Trade Your Need for Speed for An Afternoon of Low Gear Living
While living life in lockdown may have limited the places we’ve been able to go, it hasn’t necessarily slowed us down. Whether it’s a schedule full of video calls or taking on the added responsibilities of homeschooling children, a growing to-do list may mean you’ve had to increase your speed. An afternoon float down a lazy river or paddle across a quiet lake is a wonderful way to shift into a lower gear. Taking a night off from kitchen duties and treating yourself to some takeout is a tasty way to also help slow your roll.
FOMO for JOMO Swap #3:
Trade Seeing and Hearing for Touching, Tasting and Smelling
The fear of missing out can put our eyes and ears on high alert. Instead of watching and listening for lost opportunities, lean into your senses of taste, smell and touch to inspire more moments of pure pleasure. Feel the sun warm your back as you explore Lake Ontario shorelines with a stand-up paddleboard rental. Dip your fingers into the cool water as you float down the Grand River. Bite into a freshly picked strawberry or peach. Breathe in the woodsy scent of cedar and pine while exploring a tree-lined trail.
FOMO for JOMO Swap #4:
Trade Busy Places for Quiet Spaces
To get away from the chaos of the crowd, consider bypassing busy beaches and jam-packed parks. Fortunately, Hamilton Halton Brant is overflowing with unique places where you can discover how good it feels to get away from it all. Turn your eyes to the sky and watch turkey vultures soar above the Niagara Escarpment. Set out on an afternoon cycle on an off-the-beaten path. Sit on a lakeside bench with an ice cream cone in hand and watch the waves dance across a lake as the sun sinks below the horizon. For the ultimate sink into solitude, pair your activity with an overnight escape at a local hotel or inn.
FOMO For JOMO Swap #5
Trade Their “Must Tries” For Your Own “Love It List”
As we scroll through our social media feeds, we’re often presented with products that influencers are being paid to promote. Instead of searching out their products, try using that time to seek out local finds that bring you your own brand of joy. Find a new favourite loaf of bread from a local bakery. Source some fresh beer, wine or cider picks made right here in Hamilton Halton Brant. Shop for handcrafted items in stores that would really appreciate your business right now. Curating and sharing your personal collection of favourite things is a fun summer pastime.
Share highlights of how you’re embracing the joy of missing out with us by tagging your pictures on social media with #stayandplayinhhb.